Police chase ends in tractor-trailer crash

A Canadian man is accused of stealing a tractor-trailer and leading police on a chase that ended with a crash into a guard rail early Friday.

Two officers driving patrol units had to veer out of the way to avoid a head-on collision with the truck as it drove north out of North York Borough, the Northern York County Regional Police Department said in a news release.

The operator of the Edris Oil truck told police he parked the truck at 1225 Columbia Ave. and went inside an office there. When he returned, the truck and trailer were gone.

At about 1:30 a.m., officers spotted the vehicle traveling west on East Seventh Avenue toward North George Street. Chartier allegedly ignored police attempts to stop him and crossed into opposing traffic, nearly colliding with the two patrol units.

The chase continued onto Route 30, with Chartier allegedly running red lights at five intersections. He used the truck's air horn while traveling through the intersections, according to the news release.

Chartier allegedly lost control of the truck in West Manchester Township, where he struck a guard rail near the state Route 462 ramp.

According to police, Chartier, 40, refused to leave the truck after the crash and had to be removed.

He has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, DUI and various traffic violations.

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The investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Northern York County Regional Police Department at (717) 292-3647.